Germany reaches a new milestone in renewable energy production

Data shows that Germany’s clean energy production has reached new heights

Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute has released data concerning the country’s use of renewable energy during the first half of the year. Six months of favorable weather and the accelerating production of solar and wind energy has had a major impact on Germany’s energy structure. The data shows that, for the first time ever, renewable sources accounted for a larger portion of energy production than coal. Clean energy is expected to see more adoption and implementation throughout Germany in the coming years.

31% of country’s energy production during the first half of 2014 came from renewable sources

According to the Fraunhofer Institute, renewable energy accounted for 31% of Germany’s energy production in the first half of 2014. Non-hydropower sources accounted for 27% of the country’s energy during that period. Wind and solar power made up the majority of renewable power produced throughout the country. Solar energy, in particular, has seen major growth over the past several months. New energy projects have reached completion and have begun generating electrical power, feeding this energy into the country’s energy grid. Solar power grew by 28% during the first half of this year, with wind power growing by 19%.

Favorable weather creates an opportunity for clean energy

Low demand for electricity during the holidays has contributed to the larger role that renewable energy has played in Germany. Favorable weather has brought relatively strong winds and abundant sunshine to the country as well, allowing its solar and wind farms to produce significant amounts of electrical power.

Germany continues to set a positive example in the energy sector

Germany is currently considered a leader in both solar and wind energy. The country is home to several ambitious energy projects that are expected to reach completion and begin producing electrical power within the coming year. These renewable energy projects will have a further impact on the country’s changing energy structure, allowing Germany to create more distance between itself and fossil-fuels. Germany has plans to produce no less than 80% of its electrical power from renewable sources by 2050.